People infected with the coronavirus (Covid-19) can present with a variety of symptoms, from a common cold in the majority of cases (80% of cases), to a severe lung infection, responsible for acute respiratory distress, for the most severe cases. We observe severe forms in 15% of cases and the disease can lead in 1% to two 2%% of times to the death of patients.
What is acute respiratory distress?
Respiratory distress syndrome is a severe form of lung failure, which can have many causes (pulmonary oedema, drowning, inhalation of smoke, asthma attack,…). It results in a temporary impossibility to breathe normally, when the gaseous exchanges of expiration and inspiration are no longer effective. This phenomenon leads to a lack of oxygenation, the consequences of which can be fatal. This lack of oxygenation can be linked to external factors (lack of oxygen in the air) or internal factors (lung obstruction due to food, chronic illness, etc.). Overall, the mortality rate for respiratory distress syndrome is around 40%. Without treatment, this rate reaches 80 to 90%.
Respiratory distress: the symptoms that should alert
Irregular and noisy breathing, accelerated pulse, headache, feeling of anxiety, bluish lips and extremities (cyanosis due to lack of oxygen in the blood), disturbances in consciousness and behavior, …All of these symptoms must suggest respiratory distress. If someone you know has some symptoms, do not hesitate to call 15.
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